Mac|Life Recall RSS Feed

Apple Not Recalling iPod nanos?

Cory Bohon — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:23:20 -0500

Last week we reported, along with other sites, that Apple of Korea would be recalling first-gen iPod nanos, but another post now clarifies what Apple meant.

The Loop cites a statement from Apple saying that they have offered to repair or replace users iPod nanos that overheat, but the percentage of defective units is nominal.

“We have received very few reports of such incidents (about .001 percent of first generation iPod nano units worldwide), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier,” said Apple.

You can read more about the first-generation iPod nano battery problems in the Apple knowledge base article.

iPod Takes Out Saab in a Blaze of Glory

Danny Estrada — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:53:03 -0500

If you are on top of your iPod nano game then you already know that there have been reports of nanos catching ablaze, and that Apple Korea has even recalled their first-gen iPod nanos. But that doesn't really mean anything to us unless there are toasty photos to go along with these claims. Luckily for you, we have exactly what you are looking for.

A Swedish 9-3 Saab owner came to find their car designed by folks who make jets looking like it was left behind a jet engine. Investigators believe that the fire may have been caused by a nano that was left on the seat. It isn't clear though if the iPod was minding it's own business when it burst into flames, or if it was left charging on the seat when it decided to go out with a bang and take as many European car parts as it could along with it. Either way, this is pretty rad. How many Zunes do you know that can also double as weapon?

So what are Saabs made out of? Kindling?

Via engadget

So what song was playing on the iPod when it allegedly went ablaze?

Apple Korea Recalls First-gen iPod nanos

Cory Bohon — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:55:52 -0500

Forget the political struggles and possible threat of nuclear war with North Korea, iPod nanos in South Korea are exploding! Apple of Korea announced today that they will be recalling all first-generation iPod nanos in South Korea. After a number of customers reported overheating batteries and/or explosions, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards asked Apple to issue a recall.

Apple issued a statement that said, "Although the overheating problem doesn't affect the batteries that are being used now in iPod nanos, concerned customers can get a replacement battery."

Wall Street Journal via iPodNN

iPhone 3G USB Power Adapter Replacement Arrives in Oversize Box

Roberto Baldwin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:02:49 -0500

The green dot means you'll live to call another day. Non-green dot, not so much. (click to embiggen)

Last month Apple issued a voluntary recall of its Ultracompact USB Power Adapter for the iPhone 3G. The UUPAFTi3's metal prongs were prone to break off and increased the risk of electric shock, fire and iPhone 3G withdrawal from the inability to keep it charged. Users could either drop by the local Apple Store and pick up a new adapter beginning October 10, or order a replacement via the web.

The new adapter in it's oversize box and enough padding for a Fabergé Egg. (click to embiggen)

Reviews editor, Ray Aguilera opted to have his new shock/fire-free adapter be shipped to him. What arrived was a box about 5 times too big and a warning from Apple:

If you do not arrange collection of the return envelope/box within 10 business days of the date on which you receive this letter, Apple will have the right to charge your credit card a non-return fee in the amount described at the time of order confirmation, as you agreed when you requested a repair from AppleCare Service.

This is standard practice, Apple needs to make sure you're not ripping them off like that iPod Mechanic a while back. We're guessing Apple doesn't want anyone burning down their neighborhood with an adapter they've replaced. Still, does the shipping box need that much padding and to be that large?

So what will Apple do with all the old adapters they recieve? Share your guesses in the comments below.

Recall Alert! Apple's Ultracompact USB Power Adapter for the iPhone 3G

Florence Ion — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:27:14 -0500

Anyone who is in possession of the Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter can join the official exchange program to be compensated for a new adapter. The power adapter’s metal prongs can break off and remain in the power outlet, increasing the risk of electric shock. As of yet, there have been no injuries reported, but Apple is assuming responsibility before anything happens.

The USB power adapters were included with every new iPhone 3G unit, and the exchange program applies to the following countries: US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and several Latin American countries. USB outlets sold in other countries are not affected.

User with ultra compact power adapters are urged to stop using the adapters immediately. In the meantime, Apple asks that users charge their iPhones through the computer’s USB post.